Below is the text of Mr Major's written Parliamentary Answer on Domestic Spending on 30th November 1988.

Mr. Meacher To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the percentage rise in total domestic spending each year since 1978, including the estimate for 1988; and what has been the target for each of these years in the medium-term financial strategy.

Mr. Major The growth in total United Kingdom domestic expenditure at current market prices since 1978 was as follows:

Year | Percent change in total domestic expenditure

1978 | 14.6

1979 | 18.1

1980 | 14.9

1981 | 9.6

1982 | 10.1

1983 | 10.3

1984 | 7.8

1985 | 8.1

1986 | 8.8

1987 | 9.1

1988 | 11.4

Source: United Kingdom National Accounts 1988 Edition (table 1.2) CSO except for 1988 which is an estimate [consistent with the forecast published in the autumn statement.]

There are no "targets" for domestic expenditure in the medium term financial strategy.